Editorial: Focus on careers a worthwhile objective

Superintendent John White is on a mission to simplify high school diplomas and consolidate the three diplomas currently being awarded into a single diploma with two possible "pathways." He is also working to make high school diplomas more meaningful in the working world.

It is a goal White has been working toward for some time, and it's a worthwhile goal.

There are currently three types of diplomas: the Core 4, a college prep diploma that requires four years of English, social studies, math and science; the basic diploma, designed for those who don't think they are college-bound but who have not committed to a career path; and the career diploma, which incorporates career training.

White has said in the past that none of the three diplomas provide ideal preparation for either career or college.

Moreover, it's difficult for a student to change his or her mind under the current system. Once a choice is made, students must wait until their junior year to switch from one to another type of diploma.

Under the new, simplified system, a diploma would indicate that a student took either the college pathway, for university-bound students or the career pathway, for those who prefer to enter technical school.

The new, streamlined system would allow students to change pathways more than once, if they change their minds. And either diploma would allow a student to enter either a four-year university or a post-high school technical program.

An added dimension to White's plan will be to enlist the aid of high schools, colleges and businesses to help shape the requirements to receive these diplomas.

One of White's proposals would be for regions to form consortia of academic and business leaders to design high school curricula in their region, taking into account the projected needs of business and industry, according to a report in The Daily Advertiser.

The idea is a good one. Business and industry leaders are the most likely people to know what employment trends might be in their area.

It appears that White is on a good "pathway" of his own - especially with regard to the notion that academic and career education are of equal importance.

Middle-class wage earners with specialized skills are the backbone of the American economy.

During a recent stop at South Louisiana Community College on White's tour around the state to promote his ideas, he said the stigma attached to career education must end, according to the Advertiser article.

That was never more true than it is today, when many experts are predicting that Louisiana is on the verge of a new economic boom centered around manufacturing, industry, technology, health care and the oil and gas business.

SLCC Chancellor Natalie Harder took that notion one step further, saying that the goal of all education is to prepare students to enter the work force.

She's right.

And if White's ideas come to fruition, Louisiana should be looking forward to having a greater number of young people who are ultimately employable and self-sustaining.

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Editorial: Focus on careers a worthwhile objective

Superintendent John White is on a mission to simplify high school diplomas and consolidate the three diplomas currently being awarded into a single diploma with two possible '